Are you dreaming of relocating from New Zealand to Australia? From exciting career prospects to a range of lifestyle benefits, there’s no shortage of reasons why more Kiwis are making the move to Australia. But if your budget is getting in the way of making your dream of relocating from New Zealand a reality, then fear not! We have put together some suggestions on how you can relocate internationally when on a budget.
Our budgeting tips for moving to Australia
Moving doesn’t have to be crazily expensive! Follow our simple tips and tricks below so you move to Australia from New Zealand without breaking the bank.
1. Create a budget for your move
When it comes to budgeting for a move, it’s important to not only include the expenses that you will incur throughout the actual move (such as flights, moving company, and packing materials), but also the expenses associated with setting up your new home in Australia such as fees associated with renting or buying a home, purchasing new furniture and other items, and restocking your pantry. We recommend that you budget for expenses after you arrive such as accommodation before you secure a rental or purchase home, and other everyday living expenses as you settle in.
2. Research the cost of living in Australia
Before relocating, it’s a great idea to do some research on the average cost of living in Australia. We recommend using a cost-of-living comparison tool like BudgetDirect provides, to give you a better idea of the cost of living in different Australian cities and how it compares to New Zealand. Keep in mind that while the average cost of living is higher in Australia than back home, the average salary also tends to be higher which helps to balance this out. This can help you decide where to live in Australia, as there is no shortage of states, cities, and towns to choose from!
3. Build up your savings
Although the Trans-Tasman agreement enables New Zealand residents to hold a Special Category Visa which entitles Kiwis to live and work in Australia indefinitely, there is no guarantee that you will find work immediately. We recommend building up adequate savings so you can support yourself (and your family) for at least one month - use your cost of living research to determine the exact number. This gives you enough time to set up your new home and find appropriate work. Keep in mind that, at the time of writing, the Australian dollar (AUD) is stronger than the New Zealand dollar so you may wish to save a little extra.
4. Reduce the size of your move
An easy way to save money during your move from New Zealand to Australia is to reduce the amount of things you are moving. You can even make a little money by selling any unwanted items like furniture, clothing, toys, and appliances.
As you begin the packing process, create four piles; ‘keep’, ‘donate’, ‘sell’ or ‘dispose of’. Take the time to consider what pile each item should be in. If you are feeling unsure about what pile an item should go in, think about whether you use it every day, whether it can be easily replaced after moving to Australia, and whether it has any sentimental or emotional significance.
5. Consider storage
Have those items which you can’t bear to part with, but are not quite ready to move to Australia with? Using a storage provider means you can store your items safely and securely for as long as you need! This can provide you with the necessary flexibility to find and settle into your new home before bringing over the rest of your belongings and furniture. It also gives you the opportunity to stagger the costs, so it’s not one big expense at once. Choose a storage provider, like Allied Moving Services, which has storage facilities in both New Zealand and Australia. We also recommend working with a storage provider who can maximise your convenience by delivering your stored items directly to your new home when you need them.
6. Avoid moving at peak time
Did you know there are peak times for international moving? During these busy times, it can be difficult to get the moving date you want and you may be subjected to additional fees. That’s why we recommend moving outside of the peak time if you are relocating to Australia on a budget. In Australia, summer is the busiest time for moving companies so avoid moving from December to February. The weekends are busier, so if possible relocate midweek (Tuesday to Thursday) to have more flexibility and a cheaper rate.
7. Have your moving services bundled
If you require many moving services for your move to Australia from New Zealand, it can be good to shop around for the best price. Bundling your services, as in getting one moving company to provide all services, is a good way to score a great deal! This can reduce stress as all of your moving requirements, such as professional packing, pet transportation and vehicle relocation, will be handled by one provider as opposed to having to coordinate multiple. It can also be an opportunity to receive a better deal. When requesting a quote from your moving company, ensure they include any additional services and ask for the best possible deal.
8. Choose a trusted moving company
It’s not uncommon for Kiwis relocating to Australia to want to choose the cheapest possible quote for the international relocation. While getting a good deal is important, you also want to ensure that your moving company is providing the best possible value. Cheap and inexperienced movers may offer an attractive price, but their lack of expertise and skill could end up costing you more in the long run. Your items may be lost, damaged or broken, or you could have issues with customs if your movers failed to inform you properly about how to pack certain items. To avoid this and ensure you receive a smooth relocation experience, we recommend choosing a trusted moving company like Allied Moving Services. Not only do we have the right equipment, experience and expertise, but with 40 locations across Australia, we can assist with your move every step of the way!